Member Rating

Compare Prices on Navigator of the Seas Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruises

Navigator of the Seas Aug 2009

Sail Date:
July 2009

Destination:
Europe - Western Mediterranean

Embarkation:
Rome (Civitavecchia)

Overall the cruise was enjoyed by my family (husband,me and our 19 year old daughter who came with us). We had been on RCCL twice before. Last year to Alaska on Radiance and 5 years ago to the Carribean on Voyager (the sister ship of Navigator). So as far as the ship layout and theme restaurants they were familiar to us. We chose this cruise based on available dates and itinerary as we had to work around my daughter's college schedule. We felt that after the Alaska cruise last year there was a decrease in the level of service of staff and quality of food and entertainment when compared to the first cruise 5 years ago on Voyager. Sadly we would have to say the same was true on this cruise even when compared to last summer's Alaska trip.

The main dining room fare and Windjammer food selections were average, lower in quality, no lobster dinner for instance.One day they promoted the luch buffet as a special thing when we were in Crete (1/2 day in port) beginning at 1:30 to 3pm. More
We showed up at 2 and were turned away as the main dining room (only one level was open we guess) was full. They sent us to the Windjammer which was overwhelmed and there was no silverware or seats for 30 minutes at least!!!!! The main dining room waiter was very good and attentive. Other service personnel were fair, and especially noticed in the bars and pool areas a lack of service personnel when a drink was desired. Previously (other cruises) our room attendant was seen daily and would greet us- I honestly did not know who our guy was on this ship although he had greeted my husband on the first day. We went to three shows- one of which were were impressed with Three Tenors- it was very good. The two others were song and dance type shows- and were average. Only had two days when we were not in ports so had some poolside activities (which we did not participate in) on those days. Thank goodness for the Solarium as it was relatively kid and smoke free.. the main pool area was very loud... Had a dance club on this ship called the Dungeon- a multilevel complex that was cramped and not as nice as the larger room overlooking the pool that was on the Radiance. Our table mates were lovely and we had the early seating. Since this ship has probably 1/2 of the clients from Italy or Europe- the late seating is very,very..... late like 9:30pm. We had a young married couple at the table who had gone on this same route last year with Carnival Cruises and preferred that ship for food and cabin layout/design. We would definitely try another cruise line next time also. No laundry facilities for self service (evidently other lines have this available)but we did take advantage of the laundry service special they offered on Wed- clothes were back by Friday night. Internet service was available and would recommend buying a pre paid plan for say 60 minutes if you have kids. Also make sure to check your phone plan. On the ship they own the airwaves- so you will pay $2.50 per minute on the cell phone regardless of which port or country you are in!!!! We turned off the phones.. as even email notices that you don't read will cause you to incur data charges... We purchased phone cards in the ports and used payphones... Less

Compare Prices on Navigator of the Seas Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruises

Cabin review: Navigator of the Seas 6588

Port and Shore Excursions

Took the excursion to Knossos. Interesting but not on par with the Athens or Kusadasi experiences. The palace has a lot of restored ruins- some of which have been repainted and built up to show what it would have been interesting but you could skip this one. Many chose a day at the beach- a very short half day in port.. Some time left to shop and stroll before returning.

Nice drive there, interesting little village and beautiful main streets. Had a fun first excursion there. Alternate choice was to walk thru Messina on own and many who did found everything closed due to August vacation period for the locals.